Flemington

FLEMINGTON

Steeped in tradition and home of Australia’s most iconic race, the Melbourne Cup, Flemington is arguably Australia’s most famous racecourse and is situated in Melbourne, Victoria.

Flemington bursts to life during the autumn and spring racing carnivals when the nation’s keenest racing fans descend upon the famous racecourse to witness the most exciting thoroughbred racing Australia has to offer.

Crowds in excess of 100,000 people are a common occurrence during Flemington’s biggest race days where the Victorian Racing Club provides an entertaining environment for all.

History

The racecourse was built in the 1850s and made its way onto the National Heritage List in 2006.

Flemington was originally named the Melbourne Racecourse on Crown Land after the Governor of New South Wales in 1848 formally declared 352 acres as a public racecourse and set up a six-member trust to oversee the racecourse.

The Victoria Racing Club Act passed by the government in 1871, made the club the trustees of the racecourse.

The Gold Rush era brought great wealth to Melbourne and Flemington soon grew in popularity, attracting vibrant crowds by the thousands.

Races were initially run in autumn, however, in 1854 the Victoria Turf Club decided to hold spring meetings due to favourable weather conditions - this eventually led to the hosting of the Melbourne Cup.

Group 1 races:

Autumn

Lightning Stakes (1000m) $500,000 - February

Australian Cup (2000m) $750,000 weight-for-age - March

Newmarket Hcp (1200m) $1,000,000 handicap - March

Australian Guineas (1600m) $1,000,000 3yo set weights – March

Spring

Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) $300,000 weight-for-age - September

Turnbull Stakes (2000m) $500,000 4yo&Up SW+Pen - October

Victoria Derby (2500m) $1,500,000 3yo set weights - Oct/Nov

Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) $1,000,000 weight-for-age – Oct/Nov

Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) $500,000 3yo SW – Oct/Nov

Myer Classic (1600m) $500,000 F&M WFA – Oct/Nov

Melbourne Cup (3200m) $6,175,000 handicap - November

Crown Oaks (2500m) $1,500,000 set weights - November

Emirates Stakes (1600m) $1,000,000 handicap – November

Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) $1,000,000 weight-for-age - November

Track Description

Flemington is a spacious track with one of the longest straights in Australia at 450m which gives all horses an equal chance with luck in running.

Flemington also has a 1200 metre straight track for racing which is commonly refered to as "The Straight Six" course.

Racegoers should refer to directions provided with making their bookings.

Trains

Flemington bound trains will depart Flinders Street Station (platform 8 & 9), stopping at Southern Cross Station (platform 14) and North Melbourne Station (platform 6), then express to Flemington.

Trams

Catch the No. 57 tram from the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets. Trams stop at Flemington Drive off Epsom Road. Visit Public Transport Victoria's website for tram schedule.

Buses

Catch the Route 472 from Williamstown, Footscray or Moonee Ponds and alight on Fisher Parade, near the Riverbank entrance. Catch the Route 404 from Footscray or Moonee Ponds and alight on Smithfield Road.